yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
The app checks for a symlink, or tries to create one, can you run:

ls -al /system/etc/hosts

for me please and paste the output, it should look something like this:

# ls -al /system/etc/hosts
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 16 Jan 9 02:56 /system/etc/hosts -> /data/data/hosts
[G1 Apps and Games] qwerty017:
Galaxy tab

With the last two updates this no longer shows the button to create a custom ip.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
As others have pointed out, the recent builds seem to screw up the display, but I'm unable to replicate this, and I've tried a bunch of things to see if that fixed it, but still seems broken, however the custom IP option hasn't been removed and should still work as before.
[G1 Apps and Games] spuniun:
http://pastebin.com/07D2tgnY
[G1 Apps and Games] xxbeanxx:
Hmm something weird.. When I ran this with the phone booted I got:

/system/etc # ls -al hosts
ls: hosts: No such file or directory

Which is quite odd because I checked last night to see if the link was there (when I first noticed the problem with the new build) and it was.

So I rebooted into recovery (since I can't create a link when the phone is booted) and recreated the link:

/system/etc # ls -al hosts
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 16 Jan 8 16:02 hosts -> /data/data/hosts

I ran adfree with symlink checked... Got the "failed to remove /system/etc/hosts so it could be replaced"...

Checked if the link was still in /system/etc.. It was. So I ran adfree again without the symlink box checked, got an error "failed to replace your hosts file"..

Then checked if the symlink was there again:

/system/etc # ls -al hosts
ls: hosts: No such file or directory

How if this even possible with S-ON? I can't create or delete a file without going into recovery mode but somehow my hosts symlink disappears.

Anyway I have no idea what is going on but if you want logs I can provide them. Also I donated a few minutes ago since you seem to be working hard at getting these issues resolved. Thanks.
[G1 Apps and Games] xxbeanxx:
Just looked at the logs and found this:

I/System.out( 959): AdFree: ts=1294516941271, message='Common.isLink()'
I/System.out( 959): AdFree: ts=1294516941271, message='Common.RunAsRoot(ls -al /system/etc/hosts)'
I/System.out( 959): AdFree: ts=1294516941271, message='cmd=ls -al /system/etc/hosts'
D/su ( 990): 10069 com.bigtincan.android.adfree executing 0 /system/bin/sh using shell /system/bin/sh : sh
I/System.out( 959): AdFree: ts=1294516941578, message='cmd=ls -al /system/etc/hosts -- successfully executed.'
I/System.out( 959): AdFree: ts=1294516941580, message='AdFree: 'SymLink'='1''
I/System.out( 959): AdFree: ts=1294516941580, message='Common.RunAsRoot(rm -f /system/etc/hosts)'
I/System.out( 959): AdFree: ts=1294516941580, message='cmd=rm -f /system/etc/hosts'
D/su ( 993): 10069 com.bigtincan.android.adfree executing 0 /system/bin/sh using shell /system/bin/sh : sh
I/System.out( 959): AdFree: ts=1294516942757, message='cmd=rm -f /system/etc/hosts -- failed: '

Strange thing is, even though it says rm failed, when I check the link is no longer there. If I reboot the link comes back.

If I try to run rm -f the link when the phone is not in recovery, I get an error also, but the file actually disappears from the filesystem until I do a reboot, and then it returns.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Sounds like a kernel bug, and since the files on that file system rarely get messed with by apps I can see how it could have been overlooked or even deemed non-important.

In any case the app should be seeing the link, I'll have to add some more debug output in the section of code that check for a link to find out what it's actually seeing on your device.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
If you limit it to port 53 it's easier to see host lookups, in any case there was 3 DNS lookups in that dump:

13:53:55.019573 IP (tos 0x0, ttl 64, id 61005, offset 0, flags [DF], proto UDP (17), length 70) 10.67.11.131.61107 > 172.16.145.103.domain: 38300+ A? connect.papayamobile.com. (42)
13:53:57.283353 IP (tos 0x0, ttl 250, id 46365, offset 0, flags [DF], proto UDP (17), length 138) 172.16.145.103.domain > 10.67.11.131.61107: 38300 1/2/0 connect.papayamobile.com. A[|domain]
13:53:57.651585 IP (tos 0x0, ttl 64, id 61269, offset 0, flags [DF], proto UDP (17), length 61) 10.67.11.131.21494 > 172.16.145.103.domain: 20406+ A? cus.adwhirl.com. (33)
13:53:57.763018 IP (tos 0x0, ttl 250, id 46366, offset 0, flags [DF], proto UDP (17), length 438) 172.16.145.103.domain > 10.67.11.131.21494: 20406 2/8/8 cus.adwhirl.com. CNAME[|domain]
13:53:58.334451 IP (tos 0x0, ttl 64, id 61337, offset 0, flags [DF], proto UDP (17), length 62) 10.67.11.131.48720 > 172.16.145.103.domain: 47724+ A? s3.amazonaws.com. (34)
13:53:58.430701 IP (tos 0x0, ttl 250, id 15919, offset 0, flags [DF], proto UDP (17), length 97) 172.16.145.103.domain > 10.67.11.131.48720: 47724 2/0/0 s3.amazonaws.com. CNAME s3-1.amazonaws.com., [|domain]

The only one that could be blocked would be 'cus.adwhirl.com' if it is an ad/tracking host name, the other 2 may server ads, but I wouldn't add the amazon host name because it's used for a lot of other non-ad/tracking hosting. As for the other host name, I have no idea if that's an ad/tracking host name or not.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Just uploaded 0.5.0 build, I finally found/fixed a symlink issue, hopefully that will now work properly for everyone else too.

This build uses a new method of communicating with the server, the full hosts file is about 10kB larger at 145k v 135k, however this method can do an update of my magic in about 10-15s compared to the older method which at times could take up to 1.5 minutes, although this is dependent on the amount of bandwidth and network latency etc, not just how quickly the app can process the server data.

For the time being, the update time will be dumped to logcat and I'd be interested to know what sort of update times people get on newer phones.

PS the temporary file is now dumped to /data/data/com.bigtincan.android.adfree/ so using a symlink to /data/data/hosts the app can just move the tmp file instead of needing cat due to partition boundaries, in short this could speed up your update times by a few seconds depending how fast the processor deals with a copy.
[G1 Apps and Games] xxbeanxx:
Just tried 0.5.0 and it worked great. You are awesome man!
[G1 Apps and Games] rori~:
Agree, works great!

-> And thanks a lot, you changed the layout, now it works perfectly with my custom density!!

Sent from my Nexus One
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
All I changed was from px to dip in the x/y settings for elements, although why this didn't break in previous versions is beyond me.
[G1 Apps and Games] rori~:
All previous versions were misaligned...I did not care, as long as it did, what it was supposed to.

I use density 220 (default is 240) on my N1.

So, your dip change did it, thanx.

Edit: some screens v0426 vs 050 :)

Density 220 / Nexus1
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Thanks for the screen shots, saved me from making some to update Google Market :D
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Part of the on going development also includes giving a graphic designer a design brief in the next 24 hours or so to improve the look/feel of AdFree.
[G1 Apps and Games] Taomyn:
0.5.0 has stopped showing an error when updating, but I still get the same truncated hosts file, even the temp version stops at the same place.

-----

Sent with Tapatalk using my Samsung Galaxy S
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Are you downloading over wifi or phone network?
[G1 Apps and Games] Taomyn:
Via WiFi, and it always truncates at the same place - see my earlier post where I attached a copy

-----

Sent with Tapatalk using my Samsung Galaxy S
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
To be honest I'm completely stumped, I'm assuming you've downloaded other files via the browser or something over 400kB to rule out simple possibilities of file system limitations or download limitations?

Yup I saw that, and I have no idea...
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Actually the download from the server is only 140k not 400+ k, but the app reads the compressed data and writes out the plain text form.
[G1 Apps and Games] xxbeanxx:
I don't have the log but I can say the update was much faster. It used to take a relatively long time but tonight I hit the update button, took a sip of drink, and when I looked down it was done. Maybe 10 seconds, if that.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
If you run, assuming *nix:

adb logcat|grep "AdFree"

As long as you haven't rebooted, it should still be available for quite some time afterwards.
[G1 Apps and Games] xxbeanxx:
I have rebooted...several times. I let my toddler play with the camera which force closes after about 5 minutes requiring a reboot to get it functioning again.
[G1 Apps and Games] rori~:
You r welcome :) Thanx for the nice app!
[G1 Apps and Games] K Dotty:
This pops up when o press any of the buttons and when I press ok the app closes. All the adds r annoying :(

Sent from my DHD LeeDroid v1.2 -- Kamma v12 @ 1.53GHz
[G1 Apps and Games] kzakhar:
HTC Desire, CM 6.1.1, the latest update works just fine. Thanks!
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
I just uploaded 2 new versions (0.5.1 and 0.5.2) trying to fix a pair of bugs. Let me know if these fix your problem.

I think you are singing to the choir in this thread, and doubly so for tracking bugs in web pages.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Is there a bug in the change log system for Android Market?

Lots of people whining about lack of change logs even though I've been adding at least a short comment for most updates.

You'd think people would have something better to do with their time, shesh.
[G1 Apps and Games] K Dotty:
An error pops saying "unable to locate the /system partition".

Sent from my DHD LeeDroid v1.2 -- Kamma v12 @ 1.53GHz
[G1 Apps and Games] The-Nazgul:
Same here. Running Nexus One, 2.21 Modaco Custom Rom.
[G1 Apps and Games] K Dotty:
It seems to be working now since I flashed LeeDroids 1.4

Sent from my DHD LeeDroid v1.4
[G1 Apps and Games] AndroidKills:
For rooted users. Theres an app called Adfree Android in the market. Pretty much downloads a new host file for you. Pretty simple and clean once you download it and go through the 1 or 2 minute process you can uninstall app and you'll still be ad free.

Edit: and if you dont like it after you've done it. the app itself has a revert option to go back
[G1 Apps and Games] quail:
Can you please make it so this app can run on QVGA screens properly, and make it so it available to download from the market for Huawei IDEOS U8150 phones please
[G1 Apps and Games] AndroidKills:
sadly this isnt my app :\. try to search for the apk online.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
What's not working exactly?

Judging by your screen shot, the only thing chopped off at the bottom is the bit asking for donations to help pay for bandwidth and devices to test on.

oops. didn't read this bit...

Not sure how to do this, but will look into it...
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
I've since found out to do this I need to upgrade the app from SDK3 to SDK4 (Android 1.6+ only rather than Android 1.5+), 0.5.3 will be SDK4+ only...
[G1 Apps and Games] Taomyn:
Does the app keep the downloaded files anywhere so I can take a look at them? if not, what URLs are used so I can perform some tests?
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
The newer format sent to v0.5.0 and above can be found here:

http://www.bigtincan.com/adfree.gz
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
According to appbrain.com only 0.3% of users will be effected by this.
[G1 Apps and Games] Taomyn:
I can't get that link to download in the browser as it says the content is not supported on the phone. I can't find "wget" on the phone either so wasn't able to use that to get it.

Also tried the latest update again and it's stopped at a different entry, but it's always creating a file of 404 KB (413,696 bytes).
[G1 Apps and Games] The-Nazgul:
Is it possible to add the feature to select the /system folder manually for custom roms? Would be great :)
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
The app has a search list to scan through, although only /system is looked for at present, I doubt it would be a good idea to let users manually enter this because typos may cause some unpredictable results which could cause many more problems than it fixes.

If you can let me know the partition mount point I'll add it to the list.

In the mean time I've changed the error message to be less explicit.
[G1 Apps and Games] The-Nazgul:
Thx for your quick response. I have used your app before with N1 stock rom and it's great. :)

As I told you before, I m now on Modaco Custom rom and somehow the app cant find the system directory.

I just used the root explorer to locate the hosts file, it is in the following location:

/system/etc

But this seems a bit strange to me, cause the /system directory hasnt be renamed at all. Perhaps this helps you to add the folder to your list.

If u like, I can provide you with further information if you tell me how to.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
You need to use the mount command from a command line to find out what partitions are mounted:

eg on CM 6.1 there is:

/dev/block/mtdblock3 on /system type yaffs2 (ro,relatime)
[G1 Apps and Games] The-Nazgul:
Ah alright, seems like the Rom had a problem with mountin which has been fixed in the latest version. I will update tomorrow and let you know, if it works.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Using the AppBrain website, is anyone able to find AdFree listed on the site at all?

Seems to me they track it but have mostly hidden it from searches etc.
[G1 Apps and Games] Taomyn:
Yup same here, but if you search for it like this: http://www.appbrain.com/search?q="adfree+android" it seems to be one they "grey out" like spam apps. Not very fair, but then from their perspective they probably think your app is also unfair (not that I agree with that).

I just wish the app would work with my SGS :(
[G1 Apps and Games] A2E:
AdFree conflicting with Medscape

Hi -

AdFree seems to be conflicting with the Medscape app (http://www.appbrain.com/app/medscape/com.medscape.android) blocking its connection to the Net. Any ideas?

Thanks in advanced.
[G1 Apps and Games] The-Nazgul:
Works fine now :)
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
You'd need to revert the hosts file, and then do a tcpdump of dns packets and let me know which hosts names are being looked up and then I can compare it with the DB.

There was a library kicking about some time ago that specifically targeted some of the common AdFree options, so you might want to fiddle with things like the IP and use a custom IP of 127.1.1.1 or similar.
[G1 Apps and Games] spuniun:
Getting the following trying to download and apply hosts to gingerbread ROMs:

Error
java.io.EOFException
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Those getting this seem to be running a 2.3 ROM, and so far no one has suppled me with an adb logcat dump so I can try and figure out where and why it's screwing up more specifically.
[G1 Apps and Games] spuniun:
sent a PM with logcat dump - let me know if I can help debugging any further.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Thanks for the help, will continue this via PM...
[G1 Apps and Games] gingeritta:
Any progress on this fix?
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
I currently live near Brisbane, Qld, Australia and I'm preparing for power outages due to flooding in other parts of the city, sorry that I may not be able to get this fixed over the next few days...

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/gallery-fn7ik2te-1225983067381?page=117

etc
[G1 Apps and Games] nck4857:
Evo 4G issue?

So I just upgraded to the EVO from the Hero and Adfree was one of the main reasons I rooted.. It seems, however, that Adfree causes problems with the browser, at least when you're on a 4G connection. The website will load partially, or not at all and eventually time out.. I read somewhere else that guys were having issues and narrowed it down to Adfree, also.

Any info or updates on this potential issue?

Thanks
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
I'm assuming they meant the changes AdFree made, since AdFree usually only runs at boot up and at most once a day unless you manually run it more often, if this is the case you'll need to 'revert' the hosts file and then run a tcpdump, see comments a few pages back for details.

Alternatively try putting some random IPs in the custom IP box and/or uninstalling AdFree, one of the libraries someone made checks to see if the hostname lookup is 127.0.0.1 or if AdFree is installed, so it could well be some thing along those lines.

If it is checking for AdFree being installed I can try changing the java path name, not sure if this can be randomised post install or not.
[G1 Apps and Games] A2E:
I'm afraid I have absolutely no idea how to do any of that... :) I'll look around and see if I can figure it out.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
The simple answer is next time you run AdFree, click on the custom IP radio button and type in some random IP, then click update, then uninstall AdFree and see if the browser is still wonky.

If it works fine then they have some code in the browser either checking for a specific IP, or checking to see if AdFree is installed.

If it still doesn't work they might be doing something more like checking for a specific host name returning a specific IP, but without getting my hands on the same phone/ROM you are using, or unless someone with more experience can help debug there isn't much I can do.
[G1 Apps and Games] chrlswltrs:
It was working great on my stock rooted Nexus S, but now that I am on CM7 alpha2 on my S I am getting the error. Let me know what file you need off my phone and I'll get it to you so that you can get this working again. :D
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Current version is broken on any 2.3 ROM, I'm not sure what changed with 2.3 to cause this bug and I don't know of any 2.3 ROMs that I can load on my HTC magic and don't have access to any other phones at this point in time.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
I'm being sent a Nexus One today, hopefully it'll turn up monday, assuming the rain stays away and we don't get any more flooding...
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Doesn't anyone know of a comprehensive list of rootable phones and/or how to root them, I've lost track of how many times I've been asked either what a rooting is, or how to root their phone.

The current app links to this thread but that's probably not the best place to send the sorts of people emailing me.
[G1 Apps and Games] Kyledlindgren:
Maybe a link to xda wiki or the specific forum for that phone. People can be stupid sometimes
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
That's what I was afraid of, I was hoping to avoid building and maintaining my own list of devices capable of being rooted and links to how to root them but it looks like I'll have to get my hands dirty.

PS I started to make a list here, if people have better links for phones listed, or links to phones not listed I'd appreciate you send them to me via PM.
[G1 Apps and Games] BookCase:
Here you go..

In my Sig Permaroot points to the guide I used to Root the G2. Maybe you can add that to the list.

Also, there's [APP]SuperOneClick v1.5.5 and [APP] z4root which is great on several devices. Also,you might want to check out [Program] SimpleRoot .1 ---- 3 Click Root w/ nand unlock!! which is mainly for the Evo 4G but, might work with other devices. And, finally, we have unrEVOked which lists a few ways to remove the NAND lock from several devices, enabling you to Permanently Root your device.

Don't know if this is helpful but,just thought you could add these to your site.

I originally happened here because of an error on AdFree but, already read that it's not working with GB (Android 2.3.1) so, nevermind.

Have fun! :D
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Thanks for that, will try and shift through it and figure out which works for what.

Working on it, but well there is forces of nature working against me at present, hopefully will have a fix by Monday night aussie time, but someone needs to lay off the rain dances or something.
[G1 Apps and Games] BookCase:
Good deal, I'll check back, then. Sorry, I re-read where you said to PM you after I posted so, i copied it into a PM.

**EDIT: Also, just as a side note, that z4Root is a fantastic app with the power to root, un-root & re-root. It can temp root devices with the nand lock which can be helpful in certain circumstances. It's one of my favorites. Very handy.
[G1 Apps and Games] Migel0:
I'm getting this error after the last update:
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
There is a known issue that effects only Android 2.3, I'm attempting to fix this bug, however I only have a HTC Magic (I'm being sent a Nexus One), and hope to have a fix shortly, but I'm working blind atm.

For further updates you should keep an eye on this thread.
[G1 Apps and Games] angusc:
Great app thanx for thinking about it. i have become an adicted fan of CB Radio Chat program, however it must be monitoring for Ad Blocking software as it will shut down until the Host file is renamed or removed. Do you have any ideas how to get around this behaviour? it is not really practical to rename the host file then reboot the phone just to use one program.

I tried editing the HOST file and removed all the references to AdMob as the application indicates that the advertising is "Ads by AdMob" but still would not allow the program to run for more than a few minutes before shutting down with a message to close all Adblocking software.....
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
I've been looking into obfuscating the name of the app and if you play about with the IPs it may make things more difficult for people doing this kind of thing, they're assuming people doing adblocking are going to click ads anyway, once the website is finished we'll be able to publish multiple lists of ad host names and people will be able do something like allowing less intrusive ads.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
My phone is on backorder :(

In the mean time I'll add some more debug code for 2.3 users to see if I can pin things down further. To save all the comments/emails about why so many updates I'll post debug versions to the slideme.org website.

PS: Only debugging statements added to code, no update, but for those having problems that are willing/able to send me logcat dumps, you can grab the new version here.

Just for kicks I used the Android 2.1 SDK instead of Android 1.6, this shouldn't have fixed the bug either, but who knows, if this does fix the current problem then I'll be only using this SDK for future builds.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
At some point I just started getting the same error message, but the debug messages looked wrong, I uninstalled and then reinstalled and the error message went away.

I have no idea what went wrong but just upgrading made things go wonky for some reason.
[G1 Apps and Games] XNine:
Just installed the latest version (Jan 17th release) and it seems to fix any issues I was having using CM7 Nightly 3. Updated just fine and now ads are gone again. :)
[G1 Apps and Games] Taomyn:
I got this earlier when trying the 0.6 release off the website, but just the once. I tried it again to see what was in the logs but it didn't happen :confused: I'm on 2.2.1 so not just a 2.3 issue.

Anyway, the app isn't giving me a full hosts file still, just truncates it at the same length (404k) and I can't find a way to test the file download as the browser refuses to let me get it. Any other suggestions?
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Did you uninstall and then reinstall, rather than upgrade?
[G1 Apps and Games] Taomyn:
No I upgraded - I will try uninstalling and reinstalling and see if there is any difference.
[G1 Apps and Games] MONKY_1:
wow this is how u do it ?????
[G1 Apps and Games] Taomyn:
No error, but still the truncated hosts file after it updates.
[G1 Apps and Games] delta_foxtrot2:
Best guess it went wonky after upgrading from SDK1.5 to SDK1.6, and not everything was upgraded cleanly by the OS/installer app and so bits of the old app was left lying about as a result.